More international students in Oregon universities

As classes begin today, Oregon's seven universities are expecting the largest number of international students ever, while total enrollment will hit a record, probably topping 100,000.

International student enrollment climbed 45 percent over the last four years to 5,695 students. That's about twice the rate international enrollment rose among colleges and universities nationwide during the same period.

Both in Oregon and nationally, universities are attracting large numbers of students from China, India and South Korea. Oregon also draws a big share of students from Saudi Arabia and Japan. Universities in Oregon and across the country vigorously recruit abroad because high nonresident tuition helps offset cuts in state funding.